Device for holding bait for rodents

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for holding a bait for rodents, the apparatus has a housing, a bait platform in the housing, and a passage opening for rodents to access the bait platform. The apparatus can be inserted into a manhole.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/543,896 filed Jul. 14, 2017, granted as U.S. Pat. No. 10,869,470;which is a U.S. national stage entry of International Application serialno. PCT/DE2015/000073 filed Feb. 18, 2015, which claims priority toGerman Patent Application serial no. 10 2015 000 348.8 filed Jan. 19,2015. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety as if set forth verbatim.

DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to an apparatus for holding bait, in particularbait for rodents.

Such apparatuses are provided in particular for pest control, i.e., inparticular for controlling rodents, for example, mice and rats, whichinfest sewer drains and/or lines through which water flows, i.e., inparticular sewers and/or drains for wastewater, rainwater or effluentand/or the corresponding manholes and/or line shafts, i.e., in general,in facilities carrying water, where such pests can cause substantialdamage, for example, to sewer systems and other infrastructural systemsand facilities. Corresponding apparatuses therefore contain bait,typically pest-specific bait, containing special toxins and/oringredients, which bring about the death of the pests in various waysand/or prevent the pests from reproducing.

The toxins and/or active ingredients contained in the bait usuallyconstitute a potential threat for man and nature, so that care must betaken to ensure that they do not enter and thereby contaminate waterflowing through the respective sewers and/or manholes. However,traditional apparatuses, with large volumes of water and thus high waterlevels in the sewers and/or manholes, which is the case after a heavyrain, for example, do not offer sufficient protection against suchcontamination.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improvedapparatus for holding bait, in particular bait for rodents.

This object is achieved by an apparatus of the type defined in theintroduction, which is characterized according to the invention by

-   -   a housing part that can be inserted into a manhole, in        particular a sewer manhole or a cable duct manhole,    -   at least one bait platform arranged in the housing part,        delimiting at least one passage opening on the bait platform        side, through which a rodent can gain access to bait arranged in        the housing part.

The principle according to the invention relates to a specially designedapparatus for holding bait for pests, i.e., in particular bait forrodents, for example, mice and rats. The bait contains certainsubstances, typically pest-specific substances, for example, toxinsand/or active ingredients, which cause the pests to die in various waysand/or prevent reproduction of the pests. The term pest is also used inthe following; this is understood to include rodents in particular, forexample, mice and rats.

The apparatus according to the invention comprises a housing part. Thehousing part can be inserted into a sewer and/or a manhole such as, forexample, a sewer manhole and/or a cable duct manhole. Water and/orwastewater, respectively, is/are typically to be found in the sewerand/or manhole, respectively, or the sewer and/or manhole may have waterand/or wastewater flowing through it at least temporarily. Only the term“manhole” is used in the following. This is understood to refer to partof a water-carrying device such as, for example, a sewer system forwater, i.e., wastewater, rainwater, effluent and/or supply lines, etc.

To implement a stable and secure configuration of the housing partinserted into the manhole, it expediently has a fastening device bymeans of which it can be fastened onto a wall of the manhole and/orladder equipment devices on the manhole side, such as, for example,climbing irons or crampons on the manhole side can be fastened on a wallof the manhole. The fastening device may include fastening elements inthe form of a bolt, hook or profile, for example, to fasten the housingpart and thus the apparatus as a whole on or in a wall of the manholeand/or corresponding climbing devices.

The housing part is typically made of a corrosion-resistant materialsuch as a stainless steel (plate) and/or plastic. Different sections ofthe housing part may be made of different materials. In particular forthe embodiment of the or one section of the housing part made ofplastic, it is true that a transparent plastic material may be used hereto ensure the required view into the housing part.

The housing part is typically, but not necessarily designed as a hollowcylinder, i.e., it typically delimits a cylindrical receiving space, inwhich certain components of the apparatus are or can be accommodated.

The housing part may be closed or closable, for example, on one end facevia a cover element, so that a possibility of access to the receivingspace on the housing-part side can be created by removing the coverelement. The cover element may have a threaded section; the housing partmay have an opposing threaded section, so that the cover element can bescrewed onto the housing part.

At least one or more bait platform(s) as applicable, i.e. at least two,are arranged or formed within the housing part. Respective baitplatforms each delimit at least one passage opening. Respective passageopenings are sized so that a pest can past through them. Respectivepassage openings define a lower region below a respective bait platformand an upper region of a respective bait platform. The or a bait istypically arranged in a respective upper region. The or a bait can bearranged lying directly on the bait platform. Although conceivable inprinciple, not every bait platform must be provided with bait, in thepossible case of a plurality of bait platforms. Alternatively oradditionally, the or at least one bait can also be arranged on abait-holding apparatus for holding bait. A bait held by a bait-holdingapparatus must not be arranged lying directly on a corresponding baitplatform.

To reach the bait arranged within the housing part, a pest must firstenter the housing part. The housing part is therefore expedientlydesigned having at least one passage through which the pest can enterthe housing part. Naturally, a pest can also exit the housing part via acorresponding passage. A corresponding passage can alternatively oradditionally also be formed on an optional, i.e. not necessarilypresent, closing body, to be specified further below. The passageenables access into a lower region, i.e. lying below the (bottom) baitplatform, of the housing part. To reach the bait, the pest, which hasentered the housing part, must subsequently reach the bait platform thathas been provided with bait through at least one passage openingdelimited on a bait-platform side. After biting on the bait, the pestcan then move to the lower region of the housing part by passing throughat least one passage opening delimited on a bait platform side, and canleave the apparatus through corresponding passages. It is of course alsoconceivable in principle for the or an additional passage to enableaccess to an upper region, i.e. lying above the (bottom) bait platform,of the housing part.

When water flows into and/or rises in the housing part, acounter-pressure develops in the housing part, opposing the inflowingand/or rising water and/or counteracting the inflow and/or rise ofwater, because of the given volume (internal volume) and theimperviousness of the housing part. This is the result of the fact thatthe air in the housing part is compressed due to the inflow and rise ofwater. The rise of water in the housing part thus becomes increasinglydifficult because of the counterpressure that thus develops. Inconsideration of the housing part design comprising at least one baitplatform, this means that such a high counterpressure can oppose thewater rising in the housing part that the water can no longer rise underthe given flow conditions. For the possible case of a housing partdesign comprising a plurality of bait platforms, a correspondingcounterpressure means that such a high counterpressure can oppose thewater rising in the housing part that the water can no longer rise underthe given flow conditions. A principle is defined in any case, whichcounteracts the above-mentioned problems of contamination of water withsubstances such as toxins and/or active ingredients that are containedin the corresponding bait, in a simple and reliable manner.

In the possible cases of a plurality of bait platforms, respective baitplatforms are typically arranged above or below each other. Depending onthe geometry of the respective bait platforms, multiple bait platformsmay be arranged in parallel in at least some sections. Typically anintermediate space, which defines an intermediate plane, is formedbetween two bait platforms arranged (directly) next to one another. Therespective intermediate spaces need not be the same with respect totheir shape, their volume, etc., but instead may be different. This istrue of the exemplary case of more than two bait platforms and thus atleast two corresponding intermediate spaces. The respective intermediatespaces communicate with one another through the respective passageopenings delimited on the bait-platform side; there is thus thepossibility of passage from a “bottom” bait platform up to a “top” baitplatform.

Intermediate spaces formed between corresponding bait platforms cancreate a flow-based “calming,” influencing the flow in general, of thewater rising in the housing part. The water flowing into the housingpart and rising in it must thus “travel” upward along the path here overseveral intermediate levels, which typically leads to a “calming” of theflow of the water. At least one bait platform can be provided in atleast some sections with a surface structuring, for example, in the formof flow-influencing ribs and/or beads to influence the flow, inparticular the type of flow and/or the velocity of flow of water flowingalong these and/or rising in the housing part.

Due to the presence of a plurality of bait platforms or intermediatespaces, there is also the possibility of furnishing the housing partwith a larger number of baits compared to a housing design comprisingonly one (single) bait platform, because baits can be arranged inprinciple in several levels. To this extent, the housing part can alsobe frequented by a greater number of pests by comparison. Furthermore,the mechanical stability, in particular the stiffness of the housingpart can be increased by the presence of a plurality of bait platformsor intermediate spaces. The housing part can be additionally “stiffened”by the bait platforms arranged therein.

The respective passage openings delimited by the respective baitplatforms may be arranged so that they are offset relative to oneanother. In general, at least one passage opening, which is delimited onthe bait-platform side of a first bait platform, can be arranged so thatit is offset from the at least one passage opening, which is delimitedon the bait-platform side of another bait platform arranged directly orindirectly adjacent to the first bait platform. For example, a passageopening of a first bait platform may be designed in an edge region ofthe first bait platform and a passage opening in another bait platformnext to the first bait platform may be designed in an edge region of theadditional bait platform arranged oppositely. Due to the offsetconfiguration of the respective passage openings, a “calming” or ingeneral an influence on the flow of water thus rising in the housingpart, for example, in a meandering form, is likewise possible. Theoffset configuration of the respective passage openings also facilitatesthe movement of pests between the respective intermediate spaces and/orintermediate planes.

At least one bait platform may be designed in at least some sectionswith a bait platform section running at an inclination or bent and/orcurved relative to a horizontal plane or, insofar as it is present,relative to at least one additional bait platform arranged in particularnext to it. Through the corresponding inclined and/or bent and/or curvedprofiles of a bait platform, an influence on the flow of water rising inthe water part can also be implemented. Inclined and/or bent and/orcurved profiles of corresponding bait platforms can also facilitate theascent and/or descent of pests between the respective intermediatespaces and/or intermediate planes in the sense of ascending and/ordescending ramps.

As an additional measure for influencing the flow of water rising in thehousing part, at least one bait platform may be designed in at leastsome sections with openings and/or perforations passing through them.The respective openings in a bait platform designed like a hole (plate)structure in general can “dampen” the flow of rising water and can thuslikewise “calm” it. The openings are present in addition to therespective passage openings and they differ in particular in their size,i.e., in particular in their diameter from the respective passageopenings; these openings are small in comparison with the respectivepassage openings. Roundish openings, for example, can have a diameterbetween 50 μm and 3 mm. Of course various openings with differentgeometries may be present.

At least one bait platform may be designed to extend in at least somesections in a spiral or helical form through the housing part in atleast some sections. A pest penetrating into the housing part can easilymove inside the housing part to arrive at the bait, for example, bymeans of a bait platform designed in a spiral or helical formaccordingly—similar to a spiral staircase. Spiral and/or helical baitplatforms may also have an influence on the flow of water rising in thehousing part. This embodiment can be particularly expedient for ahousing part design comprising only one (single) bait platform, since apest can be enabled to ascend and descend within the housing part onlyvia one (single) corresponding spiral-shaped or helical bait platform.Of course, said embodiment can also be similarly expedient in connectionwith a housing part design comprising a plurality of bait platforms.

The device can comprise at least one closing body. The providing of acorresponding closing body is expressly optional and in no way required.The apparatus consequently generally comprises no corresponding closingbody. Insofar as it is present, the at least one closing body can bemounted so that it can be moved relative to at least one bait platform,wherein the closing body is moved away from the respective bait platformin an open position, such that the respective at least one passageopening delimited on the bait-platform side is exposed, and in a closedposition is moved toward the bait platform in such a way that therespective at least one passage opening delimited on the bait-platformside. The mounting of the closing body typically includes anundetachable arrangement of the closing body on the housing part or abait platform.

In the open position, the closing body is moved away from the respectivebait platform in such a way that the respective passage opening, whichis delimited on the bait-platform side, is exposed. Consequently, a pestcan pass through the passage opening in the open position of the closingbody. In the closed position, the closing body seals or closes therespective passage opening delimited on the bait platform side,typically in a hermetically or fluid-tight manner. Accordingly, theregion of the housing part above the respective passage opening in theclosed position of the closing body is typically sealed and/or closedhermetically or in a fluid-tight manner. Accordingly, a pest cannot passthrough the passage opening in the closed position of the closing body.In the closed position of the closing body, a penetration of water, e.g.due to high water or surge water, into a region of the housing partlocated above the respective bait platform is impossible. The movementof the closing body from the closed position into the open position canbe induced in a variety of ways. This will be discussed in greaterdetail below.

A corresponding closing body may be mounted to be reversibly movablebetween the open position and the closed position. Consequently, aclosing body, which is in the closed position, can change to the openposition and vice versa on its own. Alternatively, a closing body may bemounted to be irreversibly movable between the open position and theclosed position, such that it is held in the closed position, inparticular releasably, by means of at least one closing-body-holdingdevice. A closing body may then be held in the closed position by theclosing-body-holding device. A closing body in the closed position thuscannot move into the open position on its own.

A closing-body-holding device may comprise at least one mechanicaland/or magnetic holding means on the housing-part side and/or on theclosing-body side, equipped for a mechanical and/or a magnetic holdingof a closing body in the closed position. The mechanical and/or magneticholding means on the housing-part side and/or on the closing-body sidemay interact with one another in such a way that a closing body issecurely held in the closed position and cannot readily be releasedtherefrom.

The or a mechanical holding means may include, for example, catch and/orsnap elements, which implement a mechanical holding of a closing body inthe closed position. The catch and/or snap elements may be, for example,protrusions and the corresponding recesses and/or undercuts. Dependingon the structural design of the catch and/or snap elements, the holderimplemented in this way may be releasable or not (without damage ordestruction).

A magnetic holding means may include in particular permanently-magneticmagnet elements, for example, which implement a magnetic holder of aclosing body in the closed position due to magnetic interaction. In thiscontext, it is also conceivable, for example, for a magnet element onthe housing-part side to be arranged in such a way that it exerts amagnetic force holding a closing body in the closed position on a magnetelement on the closing-body side when the closing body approaches theclosed position and/or is in the closed position. The magnetic forceshould not be so great that the closing body, which is in the openposition, is moved into the closed position only because of this force.If a closing body is formed from a magnetic or magnetizable material, itmay optionally be possible to omit magnet elements on the closing-bodyside. The housing part and/or a closing body may fundamentally includethe corresponding magnet elements.

The mounting of a closing body, which is movable relative to acorresponding bait platform, can be implemented structurally by at leastone guide section on the housing-part side and at least one guideelement on the closing-body side, wherein the at least one guide sectionon the housing-part side interacts with the at least one guide elementon the closing-body side to yield a movably-mounted guide of the closingbody between the open position and the closed position and vice versa.In general, due to the interaction of the guide section(s) on thehousing-part side with the guide element(s) on the closing-body side,this typically permits a linear guidance of a closing body. A guidesection on the housing-part side may be formed on an inside or outsideof the housing part. A guide section on the housing-part side may bedesigned, for example, as a guide rail receptacle; a guide element onthe closing-body side may be designed, for example, as a guide rail orguide web.

With regard to the structural design of a corresponding closing body, itis preferable for it to have at least one cup-shaped or conical closingsection, which, in the closed position of the closing body, is insealing contact in some sections with the contact sections formed on theedges on the bait-platform side, delimit a respective passage opening,which is delimited on the bait-platform side. Due to the sealing contactof a closing body, i.e., corresponding counter-contact sections designedon the cup-shaped or conical closing section on the closing-body side,on contact sections designed on corresponding edges, delimiting thepassage opening on the bait-platform side, a penetrating or rising ofwater is not (further) possible.

Consequently, the contact sections on the bait-platform side, formed onthe edges delimiting a respective passage opening, are expedientlyprovided with a sealing element, for example, a sealing ring, a sealinglip, etc., in at least some sections. Likewise, a closing section on theclosing-body side, i.e., in particular corresponding counter-contactsections formed thereon, may be provided with a sealing element in atleast some sections, for example, a sealing ring, a sealing lip, etc.

To facilitate a pets or rodent's access to a bait platform via a closingbody, it can be provided that a closing body may inhibit or preventslippage of the rodent from the closing body in at least some sectionswith at least one surface structuring and/or surface coating and/orsurface layer offering a hold and/or confinement for a rodent enteringthe closing body. A corresponding surface structuring and/or surfacecoating and/or surface layer inhibits or prevents the rodent fromslipping down from the closing body so it serves in the sense of “entryaid” and makes is easier for a rodent to gain access to a bait platform,access to the interior of the housing part in general. A correspondingsurface structuring and/or surface and/or surface layer of course alsoconversely serves in a sense of an “exit assistance” for a rodent andthus also facilitates the rodent departing from a bait platform, ingeneral its exit from the interior of the housing part.

The or at least one corresponding surface structuring, typicallythree-dimensional, offering a hold and/or confinement for a rodententering the closing body may be formed, for example, by grooving and/orrib and/or bead structures in the surface of a closing body. Acorresponding surface structuring may form rung-type or step-typestructures in a surface section of a closing body. A certain rougheningof the surface may also serve as a corresponding surface structuring.The or at least one surface coating offering a hold and/or confinementfor a rodent entering a closing body may be formed by a rubbery coating,for example. In general, any coatings which improve the sticking of arodent on a closing body, for example, based on natural or syntheticrubbers, silicones, etc. may be applied in at least some sections to thesurface of a closing body. The or at least one surface layer may beformed, for example, by a rubbery surface layer fastened onto thesurface of a closing body in at least some sections. A correspondingsurface layer is to be fastened in a suitable manner to a closing body,to which end, all form-fitting and/or force-locking and/orphysically-bonded types of fastening may be considered. Merely as anexample, reference is made to clipping, gluing, screw connection,embossing, etc.

For the exemplary case of a cup-shaped and/or spherical-segment-shapedclosing body, a corresponding surface structuring and/or surface coatingand/or surface layer may be designed or arranged in at least somesections on a circular disk-shaped section of thespherical-segment-shaped closing body.

For implementation of the mounting of a closing body, which is movablerelative to a bait platform, as described further above, it isconceivable for the closing body to be mounted to be movable relative tothe bait platform by means of at least one clamp-type or bracket-typeholding element, which is mounted movably, in particular pivotably, inor on the housing part, in particular on the bait platform. Acorresponding holding element, to be referred to also as a holding clampor a holding bracket, is typically fastened on the one hand, inparticular on one end, to the housing part and/or the bait platform, andon the other hand, in particular at the other end, on the closing body.A certain path of movement, which the closing body rums through inmovement from the open position into the closed position and vice versa,is defined by the connection of a closing body to the holding element,the connection of the holding element to the housing part and/or thebait platform as well as the geometric dimensions, i.e., in particularthe shape of the holding element.

The bracket-type or clamp-type holding element may comprise at least twoholding element sections running parallel or at an angle to one another,wherein at least one holding element section engages through the passageopening delimited on the bait-platform side, at least in the openposition of a closing body. Corresponding holding element sections andthus the entire holding element may be bent, for example, in an L shape,i.e., having an (essentially) L-shaped geometric shape.

Another possible implementation of the movable mounting of a closingbody may be achieved by means of a flap-valve device. A correspondingflap-valve device may comprise at least one flap-valve element, which ismounted so that it can move, preferably pivotably, relative to the baitplatform, and is movable in an open position away from the baitplatform, so that the at least one passage opening delimited on thebait-platform side is exposed and is moved toward the bait platform in aclosed position, such that the at least one passage opening that isdelimited on the bait-platform side is closed. The closing body here maybe an integral component of the flap-valve device in the form of acorresponding flap-valve element. As an alternative, it is of coursealso possible to fasten a separate closing body on a correspondingflap-valve element.

A corresponding flap-valve device may also comprise multiple flap-valveelements, which are moved away from the bait platform in a respectiveopen position, such that the at least one passage opening that isdelimited on the bait-platform side is exposed, and are moved toward thebait platform in a respective closed position, such that the at leastone passage opening that is delimited on the bait-platform side isjointly closed by the flap-valve elements.

Subsequently, exemplary embodiments of the apparatus are described, andon the basis thereof, it is explained in greater detail how a movementof a closing body from the open position into the closed position andvice versa can be induced. The example embodiments described below inthis context can be combined with one another in any way.

One embodiment provides that a closing body is designed as a float orincludes at least one float. A float is understood to be a body, whichfloats on the surface of water and does not sink. This can beaccomplished structurally, for example, by means of a closing bodyhaving at least one cavity. The cavity is filled with air, for example.Alternatively or additionally, the closing body may also be manufacturedfrom a low-density material, which then floats on a water surface, basedon the difference in density, and does not sink. Such a material may be,for example, in particular a foamed plastic. Specifically the plasticmay be, for example, foamed thermoplastics such as foamed polyethyleneor foamed polystyrene, for example. Movement of the closing body fromthe open position into the closed position here would be inducedautomatically by an increase in resistance in the manhole accommodatingthe apparatus. Accordingly, a movement of the closing body from theclosed position into the open position would be induced by a drop in thewater level in the manhole accommodating the apparatus.

Another embodiment provides that the movement of a closing body from theopen position into the closed position is induced by a drive device thatis or can be coupled to the closing body. The drive device is equippedto move the closing body from the open position into the closed positionand/or vice versa. With regard to the design and/or concept of such adrive device, two basically different but again combinable specificembodiments are conceivable.

A first embodiment of a corresponding drive device provides that saiddrive device is designed as a motorized drive device or at leastincludes one such drive device. Consequently, at least one motor drivedevice coupled to the closing body may be provided, this drive devicebeing equipped to move the closing body from the open position into theclosed position and/or vice versa. A motorized drive device may be anelectric motor, for example. The coupling between a motorized drivedevice and the closing body may be implemented, for example, throughsuitable traction means, for example, in the form of belts or chains. Inthis embodiment, the closing body may of course also be designed as afloat or may at least include a float.

A second embodiment of a corresponding drive device provides that saiddrive device is designed as a magnetic drive device or at least includesone such drive device. Consequently, at least one magnetic drive devicethat is or can be coupled to the closing body is provided; it isequipped to move the closing body from the open position into the closedposition or vice versa. Again in this embodiment, the closing body maybe designed as a float or may at least include such a float.

A magnetic drive device typically comprises at least one magnetizableand/or magnetic magnet element on the part of the housing part and onthe part of the closing body. Both electromagnetic andpermanently-magnetic magnet elements may be considered. A magnetizablemagnet element may thus be, for example, an electromagnet, which exertsa magnetic attractive force when energized. A magnetic magnet elementmay be, for example, a permanent magnet having a static magnetic field.In any case, magnet elements on the housing-part side and on theclosing-body side can interact with one another in such a way that astrong magnetic attractive force can be exerted, on the basis of whichthe closing body can be moved from the open position into the closedposition.

In this context, different configurations are conceivable. For example,it is possible for at least one electromagnetic magnet element, whichmay be energized, if necessary, to be arranged on the housing-part sideand, when energized, to interact with at least one permanently-magneticmagnet element on the closing-body side, in such a way that the closingbody can be moved from the open position into the closed positionbecause of magnetic attraction. The or a magnet element on theclosing-body side may be arranged on an exposed surface of the closingbody or integrated into the closing body. The closing body as such mayof course also be manufactured from a magnetic or magnetizable material,such as, for example, ferritic steel or plastic filled with magnetic ormagnetizable particles.

In principle, however, it is also possible to provide at least oneelectromagnetic magnet element on the closing-body side and at least onepermanently-magnetic magnet element on the housing-part side.

Likewise, corresponding electromagnetic magnet elements may be providedboth on the housing-part side and also on the closing-body side.

It is also conceivable to provide at least one permanently-magneticmagnet element on both the housing-part side and also the closing-bodyside, so that with sufficient proximity of the magnet element on theclosing-body side to the magnet element on the housing-part side, theclosing body is moved from the open position into the closed positionbased on magnetic attraction. Sufficient proximity can be achieved, forexample, when a closing body designed as a float or comprising at leastone such float is moved, starting from the open position by a certainamount in the direction of a bait platform due to high water, forexample, i.e., into a position located between the open position and theclosed position. In this embodiment, one must of course be sure that themagnetic attraction, i.e., interaction existing between the respectivepermanently-magnetic magnet elements is not so high that the closingbody situated in the open position is moved into the closed positionmerely because of this.

Based on the embodiments of a motorized and/or electromagnetic drivedevice as described, it is conceivable that an assigned control unit isprovided, by which the control of the operation of the drive device(s)takes place. The control unit is thus equipped to generate controlinformation (control commands) controlling the operation of themotorized and/or electromagnetic drive device(s).

A corresponding control unit may additionally be equipped to generatethe control information as a function of water level informationdescribing the or a water level in the manhole accommodating theapparatus and said water level information supplied by a water-leveldetecting device for detecting the water level in the manholeaccommodating the apparatus. Consequently, control of the operation of amotorized and/or electromagnetic drive device may take place as afunction of the water level detected via a water-level-detecting deviceand mapped in water level information in the manhole accommodating theapparatus. Certain critical water levels which, on being reached, permitin principle penetration of water into the housing part and inparticular into a region of the housing part in which a bait isarranged, can be taken into account by the control unit, so that thecontrol unit promptly supplies corresponding control information to themotorized and/or electromagnetic drive device to prevent water frompenetrating into the housing part and/or the region of the housing partin which a bait is arranged.

A corresponding water-level-detecting device may form a part of theapparatus. However, this is not absolutely essential and instead acorresponding control unit may also be equipped to communicate with atleast one external water-level-detecting device, i.e., arranged at adifferent physical location from the apparatus. This may be inparticular a water-level-detecting device situated downstream withrespect to the position of the apparatus in the manhole, so that animminent high water level can be detected promptly. The apparatus or,respectively, the control unit of course has suitable receptionequipment for this purpose which permit an exchange of data and/orinformation with an external water-level-detecting device, in particularradio based, implemented by Bluetooth, WLAN, etc., for example.

The apparatus may also comprise a closed-position-detecting device fordetecting the closed position of the closing body. Theclosed-position-detecting device typically arranged in the housing partis equipped to generate at least one acoustic and/or opticalclosed-position information item on detection of the closed position ofa closing body and to output it via at least one output means. Thismakes it possible to detect that the closed position has been reachedand to easily display this fact via acoustic and/or optical signals,which may be expedient in the case of service work or repair work. It isthus possible to display for the service or repair personnel the factthat a high water level has been reached or is being reached in thesewer, on the basis of which a closing body has been moved into theclosed position or is still located in the closed position.Consequently, the closed-position-detecting device comprises a suitablesensor system for detecting the closed position of a closing body. Thesensor system may be embodied optically, i.e., for example, byimplementation of light barriers.

As mentioned, at least one bait is or may be arranged on a bait-holdingunit for holding bait. For the case when the apparatus is equipped withsuch a bait-holding unit, it may be expedient if the apparatus alsocomprises a bite-detecting device for detection of a bite on the bait.The bite-detecting device, which is typically arranged in the housingpart is equipped to generate at least one item of acoustic and/oroptical bite information on detection of bait that has been bittenand/or a bite on the bait and to output it via at least one outputmeans. This makes it possible to detect a bite on the bait by a pest anddisplay this via acoustic and/or optical signals in a simple way, whichin turn may be expedient in the case or service or repair work. It isthus possible to display for the service or repair personnel that factthat a bite on the bait has occurred and thus a check is necessary as towhether a new bait is to be inserted into the housing part.Consequently, the bite-detecting device comprises a suitable sensorsystem for detecting a bite on the bait. The sensor system may detect,for example, the weight of the bait arranged on a bait-holding unit,wherein bite-induced changes in weight, typically reductions in weightof the bait allow inferences regarding a bite on the bait. Likewise, thesensor system may detect bite-related forces, typically tensile forceswhich act on the bait and/or the bait-holding device and also allowinferences about a bite on the bait.

The bite-detecting device may generate different acoustic and/or opticalsignals as a function of the bite information, for example, based on thedetection of the weight of the bait. The weight of a new bait that hasnot been bitten can be signaled, for example, with optical signals of agreen color and/or with optical signals that are output continuously;the weight of a partially bitten bait can be signaled, for example, withoptical signals of a yellow color and/or optical signals output at afirst blinking frequency; if the bait has been completely eaten, thismay be signaled, for example, by optical signals of a red color and/orwith optical signals output at a higher second blinking frequency incomparison with the first blinking frequency. The same of course appliesfor the output of acoustic signals, wherein in particular the frequencyand/or the rhythm of a tone and/or a tone sequence is variable as afunction of the bite information, for example, based on detection of theweight of the bait. The same of course applies for the case when thebite-detecting device draws inferences regarding a bite on the bait, notbased on weight but instead based on other measured variables.

An acoustic output means may be designed, for example, as a loudspeakeror may at least include such a one. An optical output means may bedesigned, for example, as a light-emitting diode, in particular inmultiple colors or a display screen or may comprise at least such a one.The or an output means may be arranged in or on the housing part,wherein it is arranged on an exposed exterior surface of the housingpart or inside a receiving space delimited by the housing part. Inparticular for optical output means, it is true that if said means arearranged within the housing part, i.e., within a receptacle space of thehousing part delimited by the housing part, then the housing part shouldbe designed to be at least partially transparent in order to make theoptical signals also recognizable from outside of the housing part.

The or an output means may also be integrated into an external mobileterminal. If the or an output means is integrated into an externalmobile terminal, the closed-position-detecting device and/or thebite-detecting device may be equipped to communicate with the externalmobile terminal and to transmit the closed-position information and/orthe bite information to the external mobile terminal for output to theoutput means there. Service or operating personnel can also be informedabout reaching the closed position of the closing body and/or about abite on the bait, for example, even without having to enter the sewersystem. The communication that is described is radio-based inparticular, i.e., it is implemented, for example, by Bluetooth, WLAN,etc., which is why the closed-position-detecting device and/or thebite-detecting device comprise(s) corresponding radio-based transmissiondevices. An external mobile terminal may be, for example, a cell phone,a smartphone, a tablet, notebook, etc.

In view of the plurality of electrical and/or electronic componentsoptionally to be arranged in the housing part, i.e., in particularcorresponding control or detection devices, it may be expedient for atleast one receiving chamber to be designed or arranged in the or areceiving space delimited by the housing part, electrical and/orelectronic components of the apparatus, in particular control units anddetection units being arranged or disposable in said receiving chamber.The receiving chamber thus offers protection for these components withrespect to external influences, i.e., in particular climate andmechanical influences. The receiving chamber may be designed to be anintegral part of the housing or as a separate part, which is to beinserted separately into the receiving space on the housing-part side.The receiving chamber may be closed or closable via a cover element,wherein this may also be the cover element on the housing-part sidementioned further above, so that a possibility of access to thereceiving chamber can be created by removing the cover element.

The or a corresponding receiving chamber in which electrical and/orelectronic components of the apparatus, in particular control units anddetection units, are or can be arranged may have areceiving-chamber-base body but is cylinder-like and/or cylindrical anddelimits a receiving chamber volume for receiving electrical and/orelectronic components of the apparatus, said receiving-chamber-base bodyprotruding into the receiving space on the housing-part side in at leastsome sections.

A corresponding receiving chamber is or can be fastened, expedientlydetachably (without damage or destruction), on the housing part. Thereceiving chamber may thus be arranged in or on the housing part and ata distance therefrom. The releasable fastening of the receiving chamberon the housing part is or can be designed, for example, by theinteraction, in particular in a form-fitting manner, of at least onefastening section on the housing-part side with at least one fasteningsection on the receiving-chamber-base-body side. The receiving chamberand the housing part are thus equipped with at least one fasteningsection here, by means of whose interaction a stable and/or undetachableand likewise releasable fastening of the receiving chamber on thehousing part can be implemented. An interaction of the respectivefastening sections in a form-fitting manner in particular is to beunderstood in particular as an intermeshing or overlapping ofcorresponding fastening sections in at least some sections.

The receiving chamber may be arranged or disposable, mounted on thehousing part, so that it is rotatable between a fastening position and arelease position. In the fastened position, the at least one fasteningsection on the housing-part side and the at least one fastening sectionon the receiving-chamber-base-body side interact in a form-fittingmanner in particular, so that the receiving chamber is releasablyfastened on the housing part. In the release position, the at least onefastening section on the housing-part side and the at least onefastening section on the receiving-chamber-base-body side do notinteract, so that the receiving chamber is releasable from the housingpart. The fastening of the receiving chamber on the housing part canthus be established by rotational movements of the receiving chamberabout an axis of rotation which typically coincides with the axis ofsymmetry or central axis of the receiving chamber, relative to thehousing part and then canceled. The receiving chamber may thus beconverted from the fastened position to the release position and viceversa by rotational movements relative to the housing part.

The or at least one fastening section on the housing-part side may bedesigned, for example, as a ring-disk element or ring-segment diskelement protruding radially away from a cylinder-type section of thehousing part, having at least one shoulder-type fastening protrusion,protruding axially away therefrom. The or at least one fastening sectionon the receiving-chamber-base-body side may be designed as a ring-diskelement or ring-segment disk element protruding radially from acylinder-type shoulder on the receiving-chamber-base body, having anaxially-protruding shoulder-type fastening protrusion corresponding tothe fastening protrusion formed on the fastening section on thehousing-part side, i.e., in particular designed and/or aligned to beopposite.

To implement corresponding rotational movements of the receivingchamber, the receiving chamber can have at least one tool working regionfor form-fitting engagement of a tool in the region of an upper exposedcover section, rotational movements being transferrable to the receivingchamber by means of said tool to convert the receiving chamber from thefastened position to the release position and vice versa. Due to theconfiguration and/or design of at least one corresponding tool workingregion in the region of an upper exposed cover section of the receivingchamber, the tool attack region is always accessible (from above). Thegeometric design of the tool working region is such that a tool, forexample, a T-shaped tool, can act on it in a form-fitting manner, sothat rotational movements of the tool can be transferred to thereceiving chamber.

The tool working region is readily accessible, i.e., in particular fromabove, in particular also in the condition of the apparatus, in which itis properly used in a manhole. Due to suitable shaping and dimensioningof a corresponding tool, it is not absolutely necessary for a user toclimb down into the manhole to transfer the receiving chamber from thefastened positioning to the release position or vice versa throughcorresponding rotational movements. The receiving chamber may thus bereleased from the housing part from outside of the manhole and removedfrom the manhole, if necessary. This may be done for inspectionpurposes, for example, to ascertain whether there has been a bite on thebait, so that inspections may be performed in a substantially simplifiedand thus substantially more prompt manner.

In particular when the or a bait is held via a bait-holding device,which is designed or arranged on the receiving chamber for holding bait,the receiving chamber together with the bait-holding device and the baitheld thereon may be removed from the manhole without entering themanhole, any bite on the bait may be detected, the or a bait may beexchanged or replaced, if necessary, and the receiving chamber togetherwith the bait-holding device and the bait held thereon can bereintroduced into the manhole and fastened to the housing part.

It is apparent from the preceding paragraph that the or, in general, abait-holding device is expediently designed or arranged for holding atleast one bait on the receiving chamber. The bait-holding device isdesigned or arranged in particular on a section of the receiving chamberprotruding into the receiving space on the housing-part side.

On or in the or a corresponding receiving chamber, at least one, inparticular optical, monitoring device may be designed or arranged formonitoring at least one part of the receiving space delimited by thehousing part. In general, the monitoring device is designed or arrangedon or in the receiving chamber, so that the most extensive possiblemonitoring of the receiving space delimited by the housing part can beimplemented. The monitoring device typically includes a suitable, inparticular optical, sensor system for monitoring at least one portion ofthe receiving space delimited by the housing part. The monitoring devicemay thus be designed as an infrared sensor system and/or camera or maycomprise at least one infrared sensor system and/or camera. Themonitoring device may of course also be embodied in a different way inprinciple. For example, implementation of a monitoring device in theform of a video camera or the like would also be conceivable.

Regardless of the specific embodiment of the, or in general, acorresponding monitoring device, it is thus possible to detect andevaluate all processes in the or a region of the receiving spacedelimited by the housing part. In particular, pest-related processes canbe detected quantitatively and/or qualitatively and evaluated and/orassessed. Processes of particular interest to be monitoredquantitatively and/or qualitatively include, for example, ingresses ofpests into the receiving space, egresses of pests out of the receivingspace, the behavior, in particular the biting and/or movement behavior,of any pests entering the receiving space, in the receiving space, etc.In general, frequenting of the receiving space per unit of time can bedetected qualitatively and evaluated and/or assessed. Since monitoringinformation and/or data detected by the monitoring device can of coursebe transmitted over a suitable, in particular radio-based, communicationlink to an external terminal, in particular a mobile terminal on theuser side, a “monitoring” of all processes in the receiving space of thehousing part delimited by the housing part, can be implemented by meansof a corresponding monitoring device without the requirement of enteringinto the manhole and/or into the sewer system. The communication isradio-based in particular, i.e., implemented via Bluetooth, WLAN, etc.,which is why the monitoring device comprises a corresponding radio-basedtransmission device. An external, in particular mobile, terminal may be,in turn, a cell phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook, etc., forexample.

The or in general a monitoring device may be supplied with electricpower via an electric energy storage system designed or arranged in thereceiving chamber, rechargeable in particular. As a correspondingelectric energy storage system, for example, an electrochemical and/orgalvanic energy storage system in the form of a battery, in particularrechargeable, may be considered. An inductive rechargeable energystorage mechanism, i.e., rechargeable by means of electromagneticinduction, is also possible. In principle the electric power supply of acorresponding monitoring device can also be implemented via a hard-wiredconnection thereof to a power supply network.

The situation is also similar for the electric power supply of otherelectrical and/or electronic components of the apparatus designed orarranged in a corresponding receiving chamber.

The apparatus may comprise at least one water-surge-protection elementfor protecting against penetration of water into the or a receivingspace delimited by the housing part, in particular into an upper regionof the receiving space situated above the passage opening delimited onthe bait-platform side, in the case of a water level rising like asurge, i.e., suddenly in the manhole in which the housing part isinserted or to be inserted. The water-surge-protection element istypically arranged beneath the bottom bait platform. Thewater-surge-protection element may be arranged inside or outside thehousing part in at least some sections.

A corresponding water-surge-protection element typically has a basebody, which delimits at least one water-surge-receiving volume forreceiving a certain amount of water flowing in the or a manhole. Thebase body of the water-surge-protection element may be designed to be ofa cylinder-type and/or cylindrical, for example. Polygonal in particularrectangular base shapes are also conceivable. Insofar as it is present,a closing body can be mounted to be movable in at least some sectionsinside the base body of the water-surge-protection element in such a waythat it is moved from the open position into the closed position with anincrease in the water level entering into the at least onewater-surge-receiving volume. The closing body is or comprisesexpediently, but not necessarily a float, in view of the abovediscussion, in conjunction with corresponding drive devices that are orcan be coupled to a closing body.

The base body of the surge protection element may comprise a bottomsurface having at least one surge-water-inlet opening in the region ofits one side facing away from the bait platform, that is, typically thebottom. Insofar as it is present, a closing body may be arranged in atleast some sections in the surge-water-inlet opening in the openposition. With a rise in the water level in the manhole, the closingbody, which is designed in particular as a float is lifted up from thesurge-water-inlet opening, so that water can enter thewater-surge-receiving volume until the closing body is finally, asdescribed, moved from the open position to the closed position due tothe rise in the water level in the water-surge-receiving volume. It isof course also conceivable for the base body of the surge waterprotection element to be completely open in the region of its sidefacing away from the bait platform. Insofar as it is present, a closingbody can in this case be intended to be held via a suitable holder.

The base body of the surge water protection element may have a number ofweb-type feet, for example, which serve to mount the base body,optionally also the housing part arranged thereon plus the components ofthe apparatus arranged therein or fastened therein.

It is fundamentally true that the housing part may be provided withreinforcing structures to increase the mechanical stability of thehousing part. Corresponding reinforcing structures may be designed, forexample, in the form of rings or ribs. Corresponding reinforcingstructures may be available as separate components, which are to beattached to the housing part accordingly, and/or connected to it ordesigned to be integral with the housing part.

A fastening device, already explained above, by means of which thehousing part can be fastened, in particular releasably, on a wall of asewer system, in particular a manhole, may constitute a particularlyexpedient component of the apparatus. A corresponding fastening devicemay comprise at least one first fastening element, which extends aroundthe housing part on the outside circumference side, in particular anannular-shaped first fastening element and at least one second fasteningelement for fastening the first fastening element on the wall of a sewersystem. Thus, by means of a corresponding fastening device, stablefastening of the housing part on a wall of a sewer system and/or amanhole is made possible, in particular being stable with regard toforces acting on the housing part due to high water or a water surge.The fastening of the second fastening element on the wall of the sewersystem and/or of a manhole may be implemented, for example, by means offastening bolts and/or screws passing through horizontal and/or verticalholes, optionally furnished with a thread, originating from the secondfastening element or implemented on the part of the second fasteningelement. The fastening bolts and/or screws can be anchored in a stablemanner in the wall of a sewer system and/or a manhole, for example, bymasonry or screws.

All the components of the fastening device are expediently formed fromor comprise one or more mechanically stable and corrosion-resistantmaterials, such as stainless steel and/or material structures. Asadditionally found, a corresponding fastening device can also ensurebuoyancy protection for the housing part.

It is true in general that the fastening device may be designed in oneor more parts. The first and second fastening elements, i.e., in generalat least one additional fastening element may thus be formed in onepiece with one another or formed in multiple pieces and fastened to oneanother accordingly. For fastening the respective fastening elements toone another, fundamentally all releasable or unreleasable (withoutdamage and/or destruction), form-fitting and/or force-locking and/orphysically bonded types of fastening may be considered.

To implement a buoyancy protection, the second fastening element maycomprise at least one fastening-element section, which extends over thehousing part on the top side, forming a buoyancy protection andextending beyond it in at least some sections. The housing part is thusprotected against buoyancy forces due to high water and/or a water surgeand is fastened in its positioning, in particular vertically, in a fixedposition in or on the sewer system wall. In other words, thefastening-element section extending over the housing part at the sidecan absorb the buoyancy forces due to high water and/or a water surge.

It is of course also possible to provide multiple correspondingfastening-element sections. Thus, for example, at least twofastening-element sections running at an angle to one another,preferably in a V shape, may be present. A fastening-element section mayfundamentally have any geometric shape. Merely as an example, referenceis made to the leg-type and/or strut-type fastening-element sections.

Corresponding fastening-element sections may be releasable, fastenableor fastened to the exposed top side of the housing part, in particularin a form-fitting manner (without damage and/or destruction). Thefastening thus takes place in particular by a form-fitting connection,i.e., via the form-fitting interaction of form-fitting elements on thepart of the fastening-element sections with corresponding form-fittingelements on the part of the housing part. Form-fitting elements designedon the respective fastening-element sections may be designed, forexample, as a recess or as a breakthrough; for example, form-fittingelements designed on the housing part may be formed by protrusions, inparticular vertically, which engaging in or through correspondingrecesses and/or passages in the mutually fastened state. A mixed orinverted configuration of corresponding recesses and/or breakthroughsand protrusions is of course also possible.

The or at least one corresponding fastening-element section may bereleasably or unreleasably fastenable or fastened as a separatecomponent on a profile-type base body of the second fastening element ina form-fitting and/or force-locking and/or physically-bonded manner(without damage and/or destruction). Merely as an example in thiscontext, reference is made to a clamped, screwed or welded fastening. Itis also conceivable for the or at least one correspondingfastening-element section to be designed in one piece with the or aprofile-type base body of the second fastening element.

The or at least a fastening-element section may be designed in at leastsome sections with at least one, in particular cross-section-reducingreinforcing structure to increase the mechanical stability of thefastening-element section. The material thickness and thus the weight ofthe fastening device may be reduced in this way without sacrificing themechanical stability. Corresponding reinforcing structures may beformed, for example, by ribs, beads, etc.

As an alternative to fastening the housing part by means of acorresponding fastening device, it is also conceivable for the housingpart to be braced and thereby fastened by means of a tensioning device(directly) against the walls of a sewer system and/or of a manhole. Thetensioning device may comprise multiple tension elements, typicallyarranged in an equidistant distribution, protruding radially away fromthe housing part, bracing the latter against the corresponding walls.

As a further alternative to fastening of the housing part by means of acorresponding fastening device, it is conceivable to provide at leastone guide device for movable, in particular linear, guidance of thehousing part inserted into a manhole along and/or relative to a wall ofthe manhole. The housing part here is thus not fastened in a fixedposition on a wall of the manhole but instead is guided movably, inparticular linearly, along and/or relative to a wall of the manhole bymeans of a corresponding guide device. By means of such a guide device,it is thus possible that the housing part inserted into a manhole, inaddition to components of the apparatus arranged therein and/or thereon,is guided movably, in particularly linearly, moving within the manhole.Movements of the housing part are typically made along an axis ofmovement running vertically, in particularly linearly, i.e., along anaxis of symmetry or a central axis of the manhole, for example. Thehousing part is guided movably, secured against tilting in the manholeby means of the guide device, so that the guide device prevents tiltingof the housing part in the manhole.

In addition, various exemplary embodiments of corresponding guidedevices are described, differing in particular in the functional andstructural embodiments of the respective guide elements belonging to arespective guide device.

A corresponding guide device may comprise, for example, at least one,typically multiple, wheel-type or roller-type guide elements, over whichthe housing part is or can be guided movably and rolling on the wall ofthe manhole. Corresponding wheel-type or roller-type guide elements maybe in direct contact with the wall of the manhole, so that no specialmeasures are necessary to implement the movable guidance of the housingpart on the (manhole) wall side. In the case of multiple wheel-type orroller-type guide elements, these are typically arranged or designed inan equidistant distribution on or around the housing part. Thecorresponding wheel-type or roller-type guide elements may be wheels orrollers, for example. In general, any guide elements that enable acorresponding rolling along a wall of a manhole may be considered.

Corresponding wheel-type or roller-type guide elements may be mounted ona holding device designed or arranged on the housing part. Thewheel-type or roller-type guide elements may be braced or braceableagainst the wall of the manhole by means of the holding device, inparticular with a tensioning force acting upon it. Due to such a holdingand bracing function, secure vertical positioning of the housing part ina manhole is possible. The tensioning force is typically selected sothat uncontrolled sinking of the housing part is prevented, verticalmovements of the housing part in particular in the direction of amanhole cover and/or in the direction of an upper manhole opening arenevertheless made possible. Movements of the housing part in thedirection of a manhole cover and/or in the direction of an upper manholeopening may be caused in particular by buoyancy forces due to a watersurge, for example.

A corresponding holding device may comprise at least one mounted on thehousing part to be pivotable or foldable, i.e., designed or arrangedthere, the holding arm being foldable or pivotable against a wall of amanhole. The holding arm may be coupled to at least one tension element,in particular a spring element, for example, in the form of acompression spring, a tensioning force, in particular a spring forcebracing the guide element against the wall of the manhole being exertedor exertable on the holding arm by means of said tension element.Corresponding tension elements are typically arranged or formed betweenthe housing part and a holding arm. The housing part can be insertedinto multiple manholes having different diameters and braced (at anangle) against the manhole walls by means of a holding device havingsuch a design.

Alternatively or additionally, a corresponding holding device maycomprise at least one holding arm that can be lengthened, in particularlike a telescope, being extendable radially (with respect to the axis ofsymmetry or the central axis of the housing part or of the respectivemanhole) toward a wall of a manhole. The holding arm may be coupled toat least one tension element, in particular a spring element, forexample, in the form of a compression spring, a tensioning force, inparticular a spring force bracing the guide element against the wall ofthe manhole being exerted or exertable on the holding arm by means ofsaid tension element. The housing part can be inserted into multiplemanholes having different diameters by means of a holding devicedesigned in this way and can be braced (radially) against the manholewalls.

A corresponding guide device may also comprise at least one linear guideelement on the housing-part side, in particular in the form of agearwheel or toothed rack, and at least one corresponding linear guideelement, which interacts with the former and is in the form of agearwheel or toothed rack on the (manhole) wall side, by means of whichthe housing part is or can be guided, so that it is linearly movable onthe wall of the manhole. In this case, the guide device thus alsocomprises guide elements on the wall side it the form of correspondinglinear guide elements, in particular of a gearwheel or toothed racktype. Corresponding linear guide elements on the housing-part side andthe wall side are typically in mechanical engagement and/or a mechanicaloperative connection, i.e., they interact to form a corresponding linearguide. In addition to linear guide elements of the toothed-rod type orgearwheel type, any linear guide elements on the housing-part side aswell as on the wall side may be considered, if they permit acorresponding linear guidance of a housing part relative to a manholewall.

A corresponding guide device may comprise at least one drive device, inparticular a motorized drive device, which is or can be coupled to atleast one guide element and is equipped to transfer a drive forceinducing a guide element to a unidirectional or bidirectional drivemovement to the at least one guide element. A corresponding drive devicemay be designed or arranged in or on the housing part. Alternatively oradditionally, a corresponding drive device may also be integrated intoor onto a corresponding guide element, for example, a wheel-type orroller-type guide element or designed or arranged on a gearwheel. Acorresponding drive device may be an electric motor, for example. Thepower supply to the electric motor may be provided like the power supplyto other electrical and/or electronic components of the apparatus.

A corresponding guide device may also comprise at least one profile-typeor rod-type guide element that is or can be fastened in a manhole and isarranged on the housing part or passes through it, in particularaxially. The housing part here is also guided movably, in particularlinearly in relation to the profile-type or rod-type guide element. Thistypically also includes fastening the housing part on the profile-typeor rod-type guide element, which is in turn fastened on the manholeside, i.e., for example, being bolted or walled into it. Theprofile-type or rod-type guide element need not necessarily be in directcontact with a manhole wall but instead may be designed or arrangedcentrally, for example, within the manhole. A profile-type or rod-typeguide element passing through a housing part, typically axially, doesnot obstruct the function of the apparatus described further above,i.e., in particular also the movement of an optional closing body.

To implement or support movements of the housing part in the manhole, atleast one float may be designed or arranged on the housing part. Insofaras a closing body is present, the positioning of corresponding floats istypically above the closing body so that rising water in the manholedoes not reach a float on the housing-part side until the float isalready in the closed position. As explained further above inconjunction with the closing body, a float is to be understood to be abody, which floats on a water surface and does not sink. It is possibleto arrange separate floats on the housing part or to design the housingpart already with integrated floats. This may be implementedstructurally, for example, through a housing part wall, which defines orhas at least one cavity. The cavity is filled with air, for example.Alternatively or additionally, a housing part wall may also bemanufactured from a low-density material, which then floats on the watersurface and does not sink due to the difference in density. Such amaterial may be, for example, plastic, in particular a foamed plastic.Specifically the plastic may be, for example, foamed thermoplastics suchas foamed polyethylene or foamed polystyrene (Styropor), for example. Anupward movement of the housing part would be induced here by a rise inthe water level in the manhole accommodating the apparatus. Accordingly,a downward movement of the housing part would be induced by a fallingwater level in the manhole accommodating the apparatus. Correspondingmovements of the housing part may of course be (jointly) controlled bymeans of drive devices, if such are present.

In particular in in this context, the possibility of suspending thehousing part in the manhole, i.e., on a wall of the manhole, forexample, in the manner of a hanging lamp is also conceivable. In thiscase a suitable hanging fixture is to be provided, by means of which thehousing part can be hung on a wall, in particular one oriented orrunning horizontal.

The invention also relates to a manhole, in general a shaft-typeconstruction or a shaft-type construction section comprising at leastone apparatus as described. A corresponding manhole may be a sewermanhole or a cable duct manhole in particular. With regard to themanhole, all statements made in conjunction with the apparatus areapplicable similarly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional advantages, features and details of the invention are derivedfrom the embodiment described below as well as on the basis of thedrawings. They show:

FIGS. 1-28 each show a schematic diagram of an apparatus for holdingbait according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 1-10 each show a schematic diagram of an apparatus 1 according toan embodiment of the invention in a sectioned schematic diagram.

The apparatus 1 serves to hold a bait 2. The bait 2 contains substances,i.e., in particular toxins and active ingredients which cause death ofpests and/or prevent reproduction of pests. The apparatus 1 comprises ahousing part 3. The housing part 3 is inserted into a sewer system 4,i.e., a sewer drain and/or a sewer manhole, for example. The housingpart 3 is fastened by means of a fastening device on the housing-partside, which is not shown in greater detail in FIG. 1 , by means of whichthe housing part 3 is fastened, in particular releasably, on a wall ofthe sewer system 4. The fastening device may comprise fastening elementsdesigned in the form of hooks or profiles, so that the housing part 3can be fastened in the wall of the sewer system 4 or correspondingclimbing devices (not shown) such as iron ladders on the sewer-systemside.

The housing part 3 is manufactured from a corrosion-resistant materialsuch as a steel plate and (essentially) as a hollow cylindrical body,i.e., the housing part 3 delimits an (essentially) cylindrical receivingspace 5.

As is evident based on the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7-10 , a coverelement 6 can be provided in the region of an upper end face of thehousing part 3. The housing part 3 can thus be closable on the end faceby means of a cover element 6. The possibility of access to thereceiving space 5 can be created by removing the cover element 6. Thecover element 6 can have a threaded section (not shown); the housingpart 3 has an opposing threaded section (also not shown), so that thecover element 6 can be screwed to the housing part 3. A sealing element7, which permits sealing of the housing part 3 in the region of theupper end face, can be arranged between the cover element 6 and thehousing part 3.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 1 , a typically annular baitplatform 8 is arranged or formed in the receiving space 5 on thehousing-part side. In the embodiments according to the other figures, aplurality of typically annular bait platforms 8 are arranged or formedin the receiving space 5 on the housing-part side. Respective baitplatforms 8 each delimit a passage opening 9, typically circular. Apassage opening 9 thus defines an upper region of the receiving space 5situated above the latter and a lower region 5 b of the receiving space5 situated below it. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7-10 , respectivebait platforms 8 are structurally tied to the housing part 3 by means ofinside walls 11, which are offset radially toward the inside withrespect to the outside wall 10 of the housing part 3.

The bait 2 can be arranged in the upper region of the receiving space 5.A bait-holding device 12 for holding the bait 2 is provided for thispurpose, on which the bait 2 is held. In principle, however, the or anadditional bait 2 can also be arranged lying directly on a bait platform8.

Irrespective of the number of respective bait platforms 8, when waterflows into and/or rises in the housing part 3, a counter-pressuredevelops in the housing part 3, opposing the inflowing and/or risingwater and/or counteracting the inflow and/or rise of water, because ofthe given volume (internal volume) and the imperviousness of the housingpart 3. This is the result of the fact that the air in the housing part3 is compressed due to the inflow and rise of water. The rise of waterin the housing part 3 thus becomes increasingly difficult because of thecounterpressure that thus develops. This defines a principle, whichcounteracts the contamination of water with substances such as toxinsand/or active ingredients that are contained in the corresponding baits2. In consideration of the housing part design comprising a plurality ofbait platforms 8, this means that such a high counterpressure can opposethe water rising in the housing part 3 upon reaching a certain baitplatform 8 that the water can no longer rise under the given flowconditions in the housing part 3.

In housing part designs comprising a plurality of bait platforms 8,respective bait platforms 8 are arranged above or below each other.Depending on the geometry of the respective bait platforms 8, aplurality of bait platforms 8 may be arranged in parallel in at leastsome sections (see particularly FIGS. 2-6 ). An intermediate space 9 adefining an intermediate plane is formed between two (directly) adjacentbait platforms 8. The respective intermediate spaces 9 a need not be thesame with respect to their shape, their volume, etc., but instead may bedifferent. This is true of the exemplary case of more than two baitplatforms 8 and thus at least two corresponding intermediate spaces 9 a.The respective intermediate spaces 9 a communicate with one anotherthrough the respective passage openings 9 delimited on the bait-platformside; there is thus the possibility of passage from a “bottom” or“lower-most” bait platform up to a “top” or “upper-most” bait platform.

Corresponding bait platforms 8 or intermediate spaces 9 a formed betweencorresponding bait platforms can create a flow-based “calming,”influencing the flow in general, of the water rising in the housing part3. The water flowing into the housing part 3 and rising in it must thus“travel” upward along the path over several intermediate levels, whichtypically leads to a “calming” of the flow of the water. The respectivebait platforms 8 may also be provided in at least some sections with asurface structuring (not shown), for example, in the form offlow-influencing ribs and/or beads, which influence the flow, inparticular the type of flow and/or the velocity of flow of water flowingalong this and/or water rising in the housing part 3.

Particularly based on the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-6 , it is evidentthat passage openings 9 delimited by respective bait platforms 8 can bearranged offset relative to each other. As can be seen in FIG. 2 , apassage opening 9 of a first bait platform 8 may be designed in an edgeregion of the first bait platform 8 and a passage opening 9 of anotherbait platform 8 next to the first bait platform 8 may be designed in anedge region of the additional bait platform 8 arranged oppositely. Dueto the offset configuration of the respective passage openings, a“calming” or in general an influence on the flow of water rising in thehousing part 3, for example, in a meandering form, is likewise possible.The offset configuration of the respective passage openings 9 can alsofacilitate the movement of pests between the respective intermediatespaces and/or intermediate planes.

Based on the embodiments according to FIGS. 4 and 5 , it is evident thatat least one bait platform 8 may be designed in at least some sectionswith a bait platform section running at an inclination or bent and/orcurved relative to at least one additional bait platform 8 arranged inparticular next to it. Likewise, an influence on the flow of waterrising in the housing part 3 can be implemented through correspondinginclined and/or bent and/or curved profiles of bait platforms 8.Inclined and/or bent and/or curved profiles of bait platforms 8 can alsofacilitate the ascent and/or descent of pests between the respectiveintermediate spaces and/or intermediate planes 9 a in the sense ofascending and/or descending ramps.

As an additional measure for influencing the flow of water rising in thehousing part, at least one bait platform may be designed in at leastsome sections with openings and/or perforations (not shown separately)passing through them. The respective openings in a bait platform 8designed like a hole (plate) structure in general can “dampen” the flowof rising water and can thus likewise “calm” it. The openings arepresent in addition to the respective passage openings and they differin particular in their size, i.e., in particular in their diameter fromthe respective passage openings 9; these openings are small incomparison with the respective passage openings 9. Roundish openings,for example, can have a diameter between 50 μm and 3 mm.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment having a bait platform 8 that is designed toextend in at least some sections in a spiral or helical form through thehousing part 3. Through a corresponding spiral or helical design of thebait platform 8 (like a spiral staircase) a pest penetrating into thehousing part 3 can easily move within the housing part 3, for example,to arrive at a bait 2. A spiral and/or helical bait platform 8 may alsohave an influence on the flow of water rising in the housing part 3. Aspiral and/or helical bait platform 8 is also indicated by a dashed linein the embodiment according to FIG. 1 , showing a housing part designcomprising only one (single) bait platform 8. A spiral and/or helicalbait platform 8 can also be expedient for a housing part designcomprising only one (single) bait platform 8, since a pest can beenabled to ascend and descend within the housing part 3 only via one(single) corresponding spiral-shaped or helical bait platform.

The optional possibility that the housing part 3 can be equipped with aclosing body 15 is shown based on the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 . Theconsequently optional closing body 15 is movably mounted between an openposition and a closed position. The more detailed purpose andfunctionality of the closing body 15 is explained in the following,particularly with reference to the embodiments according to FIGS. 7-10 .

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 7-10 , guide sections 13 on thehousing-part side in the form of elongated guide receptacles are formedbetween the outside wall 10 of the housing part 3 and the inside walls11, which are offset radially toward the inside. The guide sections 13on the housing-part side interact with guide elements 14 correspondingto them in the form of elongated guide webs of a closing body 15. Alinear guide and thus a movable mounting of the closing body 15 areimplemented due to the interaction of the guide sections 13 on thehousing-part side with the guide elements 14 on the closing-body side,making it possible to move the closing body 15 relative to the baitplatform 8. The mounting of the closing body 15 includes an undetachableconfiguration and/or connection of the closing body 15 on and/or to thehousing part 3.

The movable mounting of the closing body 15 enables an open position anda closed position of the closing body 15. The closing body 15 is thusparticularly movably mounted or guided or can be moved between an openposition and a closed position as well as optionally vice versa relativeto the bait platform 9.

In the open position shown in FIG. 7 , the closing body 15 is moved awayfrom the bait platform 8 (here, the lower one) in such a way that thepassage opening 9, which is delimited on the bait-platform 8 side, isexposed. Accordingly, a pest can pass through the passage opening 9 inthe open position of the closing body. In the closed position shown inFIG. 8 , the closing body 15 is moved against the lower bait platform 8in such a way that the passage opening 9, which is delimited by thelower bait platform 8, is closed. Accordingly, a pest cannot passthrough the passage opening 8 in the closed position.

In order to reach a bait 2 arranged in an upper region of the receivingspace 5, a pest must first enter the housing part 3. Passages 21 areformed in the guide elements 14 on the closing-body side for thispurpose. The passages 21 allow access to a lower region of the receivingspace 5. To reach the bait 2, the pest must additionally go through thepassage opening 9, which is delimited by the bait platform, onto theupper bait platform 8 and thus into an upper region of the receivingspace 5. After biting on the bait 2, the pest can go from the upperregion of the receiving space 5 into the lower region of the receivingspace 5 and leave the apparatus 1 through corresponding passages 21 bypassing through the passage openings 9.

The closure of the passage opening 9 delimited by the bait platform 8implemented in the closed position of the closing body 15 preventsunwanted penetration of water which is possible in particular with highwater or a water surge, for example, into the upper region of thereceiving space 5, in which the bait 2 is arranged. Consequently, in theclosed position of the closing body 15, this eliminates the risk ofcontamination of water in the manhole with the substances contained inthe bait 2.

The closing body 15 shown in FIGS. 7-10 has a cup-shaped closing section16, which, in the closed position, is in sealing contact with contactsections 17 formed on the edges on the bait-platform side, which delimitthe passage opening 9 delimited by the lower bait platform 8. Due to thesealing contact of corresponding counter-contact sections 18 formed onthe cup-shaped closing section 16 with the corresponding contactsections 17 on the bait-platform side, penetration of water into theupper region of the receiving space 5 is prevented. For the purpose ofsealing, sealing elements 19 in the form of sealing lips are also formedon the contact sections 17 on the bait-platform side. With the samepurpose, sealing elements 20 in the form of sealing rings are alsodesigned on the counter-contact sections 18 on the closing-body side. Ascan be seen, additional sealing elements in the form of sealing lips notidentified further are also provided in the region of the opening of theguide section 13 on the housing-part side and on lateral regions of theclosing body 15.

The movement of the closing body 15 from the open position into theclosed position takes place in the embodiment according to FIGS. 7 and 8due to a rise in the water level in the manhole. This is associated withthe fact that the closing body 15 is designed as a float. The closingbody 15 thus has, for example, a cavity (not shown) approximately filledwith air. Alternatively or additionally, the closing body 15 may bemanufactured from a low-density plastic material, in particular foamed,which floats on a water surface and does not sink because of thedifference in density. A movement of the closing body 15 from the openposition into the closed position is thus induced automatically by arise in the water level of the manhole. Accordingly, a movement of theclosing body 15 from the closed position into the open position isinduced by a drop in the water level in the manhole.

The closing body 15 may be mounted to be reversibly or irreversiblymovable, and the movement of the closing body 15 from the open positioninto the closed position, as described, may thus be reversible orirreversible. A reversibly movable mounting of the closing body 15 meansthat the closing body 15 can go from the open position to the closedposition on its own. An irreversibly movable mounting means that theclosing body 15 is or can be held in the closed position in particularreleasably, via a closing-body-holding device (not shown) and thuscannot go from the closed position to the open position on its own. Acorresponding closing-body-holding device can comprise at least onemechanical and/or magnetic holding means on the housing-part side and/oron the closing-body side, said means being equipped for mechanicaland/or magnetic holding of the closing body 15 in the closed position.The mechanical or magnetic holding means on the housing-part side and/oron the closing-body side may thus interact in such a way that theclosing body 15 is securely held in the closed position and is notreadily releasable from same.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of an apparatus 1. In contrast to theembodiment according to FIGS. 7 and 8 , the apparatus 1 here comprises amotorized drive device 22 in the form of an electric motor, which iscoupled to the closing body 15 and is equipped to move the closing body15 from the open position into the closed position and/or vice versa. Amovement of the closing body 15 from the open position into the closedposition can thus be induced here in a targeted manner by a motorizeddrive device 22 coupled to the closing body 15. The coupling between themotorized drive device 22 and the closing body 15 is implemented viatraction means 23 in the form of a chain. The closing body 15 can alsobe designed as a float in this embodiment. Operation of the motorizeddrive device 22 is controlled via a control unit 24 assigned to thelatter and equipped to generate control information (control commands)that controls the operation of the motorized drive device 22.

The control unit 24 is additionally equipped to generate the controlinformation as a function of water level information describing the or awater level in the manhole supplied by a water-level detecting device 25for detecting the water level in the manhole accommodating the apparatus1. Consequently, operation of the motorized drive device 22 can becontrolled as a function of the water level detected via a correspondingwater-level detecting device 25 and mapped in corresponding water levelinformation in the manhole, which accommodates the apparatus 1.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 9 , the water-level detecting device25 is arranged externally, i.e., in a spatially separate location fromthe apparatus 1. Consequently, the control unit 24 is also equipped tocommunicate with the (external) water-level detecting device 25, forexample, in radio-based communication. For this purpose, the controlunit 24 comprises a suitable reception device and the water-leveldetecting device 25 comprises a suitable transmission device. However,the or a corresponding water-level detecting device 25 may in principlealso be integrated into the apparatus 1.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of an apparatus 1. In contrast with theembodiment according to FIG. 9 , a motorized drive device 22 is notprovided here but instead of a magnetic drive device 32 is provided. Themagnetic drive device 32 comprises an electromagnetic magnet element 33arranged in an upper region of the receiving space 5 and apermanently-magnetic magnet element 34 arranged on the closing-bodyside. The permanently-magnetic magnet element 33 on the housing-partside exerts such a high magnetic attractive force on thepermanently-magnetic magnet element 34 on the closing-body side that theclosing body 15 is moved from the open position into the closedposition. The operation of the permanently-magnetic magnet element 33,i.e., in particular the energizing thereof, is likewise controlled viathe control unit 24. The statements made in this regard in conjunctionwith the control of the operation of the motorized drive device 22 alsoapply similarly.

As an alternative to the configuration of corresponding electromagneticmagnet elements and/or permanently-magnetic magnet elements shown in theembodiment shown in FIG. 10 , it is also possible to providepermanently-magnetic magnet elements 34 on the housing-part side andelectromagnetic magnet element 33 on the closing-body side. It is alsoconceivable to provide electromagnetic or permanently-magnetic magnetelements 33, 34 on both the housing-part side and the closing-body side.The apparatus 1 shown in the embodiments according to FIGS. 7-10 alsocomprises a closed-position-detecting device 26 for detecting the closedposition of the closing body 15. The closed-position-detecting device 26is equipped to generate at least one item of acoustic and/or opticalclosed-position information on detection of the closed position of theclosing body 15 and to output this information via output means 27,which are, for example, a loudspeaker and/or an LED, in particular inmultiple colors. The closed-position-detecting device 26 comprises anoptical sensor system 28 implemented via implementation of lightbarriers for detection of the closed position of the closing body 15.

The apparatus 1 shown in the embodiments according to FIGS. 7-10additionally comprises a bite-detecting device 29 for detecting a biteon the bait. The bite-detecting device 29 is equipped to generate atleast one item of acoustic and/or optical bite information on detectionthat the bait 2 has been bitten and to output this information via theoutput means 27. Consequently, the bite-detecting device 29 includes asensor system 30 for detecting a bite on the bait. The sensor system 30may detect, for example, the weight of the bait 2 arranged on thebait-holding device 12, wherein bite-induced changes in the weight ofbait 2 allow conclusions about a bite on the bait. Likewise, the sensorsystem 30 may detect bite-related forces acting on the bait 2 and thebait-holding device 12, also allowing conclusions about a bite on thebait.

The bite-detecting device 29 can generate different acoustic and/oroptical signals as a function of the bite information, for example,based on detection of the weight of the bait. With regard to the outputof corresponding information in the form of optical signals, it isconceivable that the weight of a new bait 2 that has not been bitten canbe a signal, for example, with optical signals of a green color and/orwith constantly output optical signals; the weight of a partially bittenbait 2 can be signaled, for example, without optical signals of a yellowcolor and/or with optical signal output at a first blinking frequency;if the bait 2 has been completely eaten, this can be signaled, forexample, by optical signals of a red color and/or optical signals outputwith a second blinking frequency, which is higher in comparison with thefirst blinking frequency. The same thing is of course also true of theoutput of acoustic signals, wherein the frequency and/or rhythm of atone and/or a tone sequence in particular can be varied as a function ofthe weight of the bait 2 and/or of the forces acting on the bait 2 orthe bait-holding device 12.

Contrary to the configuration of the output means 27 on the housing part3 shown in the embodiments according to FIGS. 7-10 , i.e., on the topside of the cover element 6, it is also possible that the or an outputmeans 27 is integrated into an external mobile terminal, such as asmartphone, for example. In this case, the closed-position-detectingdevice 26 and/or the bite-detecting device 29 is equipped to communicatewith the external mobile terminal and to transmit the closed-positioninformation and/or the bite information to the external mobile terminalfor output to the output means there. The communication is radio-basedin particular, i.e., implemented via Bluetooth, WLAN, etc., for example,which is why the closed-position-detecting device 26 and/or thebite-detecting device 29 include(s) corresponding radio-basedtransmission equipment.

Both the closed-position-detecting device 26 and the bite-detectingdevice 29 are optional and/or not absolutely necessary for the basicprinciple of the invention as implemented by means of the device 1.

For all previously shown embodiments, it is the case that a receivingchamber 31 is arranged in the receiving space 5, electrical and/orelectronic components of the apparatus 1 being arranged therein, i.e.,in particular the control unit 24 and corresponding detecting devices26, 29 as well as optional devices for their electric power supply suchas electric energy storage systems 84, for example. The receivingchamber 31 offers protection for these components with respect toexternal influences, i.e., in particular climatic and mechanical.

Schematic diagrams of an apparatus 1 according to an additionalembodiment are shown in FIGS. 11-15 . As can be seen, FIG. 11 is aperspective view of the apparatus 1, FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectionthrough the apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 11 ; FIG. 13 is an enlarged viewof the detail XIII shown in FIG. 12 ; FIG. 14 is a top view perspectiveof the apparatus 1 and FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the detail XVshown in FIG. 12 .

As revealed by the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-15 , the housing part 3belonging to the apparatus 1 may also be embodied in multiple parts. Thehousing part 3 here is embodied as an upper housing part segment 3 a anda lower housing part segment 3 b. The housing part segments 3 a, 3 b canbe fastened to one another by means of holding clamps that are notidentified further here. Other fastening principles are of course alsopossible for fastening the housing part segments 3 a, 3 b to oneanother.

On the outside circumference of the lower housing part segment 3 b, afastening device 35 on the housing-part side by means of which thehousing part 3 is and/or can be fastened, in particular releasably, on awall of the sewer system 4, is arranged in the region of the end facingaway from the upper housing part segment 3 a. The fastening device 35here comprises an outer ring element 36 made of steel, for example. Thering element 36 can be fastened onto the wall of a manhole by means of aprofile-type holder 37, shown in FIG. 11 .

As revealed in FIG. 13 , an annular disk-shaped holding web 38 developsout of the ring element 36 in the radial direction. The holding web 38supports a securing element 39 fastened on the outside wall 10 of thehousing part 3, i.e., the outside wall 10 of the lower housing partsegment 3 b. The securing element 39 which is also embodied here in anannular shape is fastened onto the housing part 3, i.e., the outsidewall 10 on the housing-part side, by means of a catch mechanism. Thecatch mechanism is implemented by the interaction of the catch elementson the housing outside wall side in the form of catch protrusions notshown in greater detail and opposing catch elements on thesecuring-element side in the form of catch recesses 66, in which thecatch element on the housing outside wall side can engage. An invertedconfiguration is of course also conceivable, i.e., catch elements in theform of catch recesses on the housing outside wall side and catchelements in the form of catch protrusions on the securing-element side.

A region of the ring element 36 formed beneath the holding web 38serves, in the closed position of an optional closing body 15, as acontact surface for a sealing element (not identified further) arrangedand/or formed on the outside circumference side of the closing body 15.The securing element 39 serves for undetachable disposition of a closingbody 15 on the housing part 3. This is implemented by the fact that aprotrusion 40, embodied here as an angle on the securing-element sideengages in the guide sections 13 on the housing-part side formed betweenthe outside wall 10 on the housing-part side and the inside walls 11,which are offset radially to the latter toward the inside; the closingbody 15 is prevented from slipping out of the guide section 13 by aprotrusion 41 protruding radially from the upper section of the guideelements 14 on the closing-body side.

It can be seen in FIG. 12 that the surfaces 42 developing out of theclosing section 16 of the closing body 15 are embodied with a slightinclination, i.e., by 3° to 5°, for example, so that water on theclosing body 15 can flow radially outward.

A receiving body 31, here a cylinder-type receiving body, is arranged inthe region forming a top side and/or end face of the housing part 3,i.e., the upper housing part segment 3 a. The receiving chamber 31 has acylinder-type receiving-chamber-base body 44 delimiting a receivingchamber volume 43 for receiving electrical and/or electronic componentsof the apparatus 1. As can be seen, the receiving-chamber-base body 44protrudes into the receiving space 5 in some sections. A bait-holdingdevice 12 for holding the bait 2 is arranged on a lower section of thereceiving-chamber-base body 44 protruding into the receiving space 5.

In the embodiment shown, the receiving chamber 31 is releasablyfastenable on the housing part 3, i.e., the upper housing part segment 3a here. The releasable fastening of the receiving chamber 31 on thehousing part 3 is or can be formed by form-fitting interaction offastening sections 45 on the housing-part side with fastening sections46 on the receiving-chamber-base-body side. The receiving chamber 31 andthe housing part 3 are thus each equipped with fastening sections 45, 46by means of whose interaction a stable and/or undetachable, likewisereleasable, fastening of the receiving chamber 31 on the housing part 3can be implemented. FIG. 15 shows that a form-fitting interaction of therespective fastening sections 45, 46 is understood to be an intermeshingor overlapping of corresponding fastening sections 45, 46 in at leastsome sections.

The receiving chamber 31 is arranged on the housing part 3, mounted torotate between a fastened position and a release position. In thefastened position, the fastening sections 45 on the housing-part sideand the fastening sections 46 on the receiving-chamber-base-body sideinteract in such a way that the receiving chamber 31 is releasablyfastened on the housing part 3. In the release position, the fasteningsections 45 on the housing-part side and the fastening sections 46 onthe receiving-chamber-base-body side do not interact, so that thereceiving chamber 31 is releasable from the housing part 3. Thefastening of the receiving chamber 31 on the housing part 3 may thus beestablished and canceled by rotational movements of the receivingchamber 31 about an axis of rotation, which typically coincides with theaxis of symmetry or central axis of the receiving chamber 31 relative tothe housing part 3. The receiving chamber 31 can thus be converted fromthe fastened position into the release position and vice versa byrotational movements relative to the housing part 3.

As derived from FIG. 15 , the fastening sections 45 on the housing-partside are designed as a ring-segment disk element 48 protruding radiallyinward from an axially-aligned cylinder-type section 47 of the housingpart 3, having at least one shoulder-type fastening protrusion 49protruding away from it axially. The fastening sections 46 on thereceiving-chamber-base-body side are designed as a ring-segment diskelement 51 protruding radially outward from a cylinder-type shoulder 50of the receiving-chamber-base body 44, with an axially-protrudingshoulder-type fastening protrusion 52, corresponding to the fasteningprotrusion 49 formed on the fastening section 45 on the housing-partside, i.e., designed and/or aligned to be opposite.

To implement corresponding rotational movements of the receiving chamber31 relative to the housing part 3, the receiving chamber 31 has a toolworking region 54 in the region of a cover section 53 exposed at thetop, a T-shaped tool 55 here being able to engage therein with anengagement section 57 in a form-fitting manner (see particularly FIG. 14). Rotational movements can be transferred to the receiving chamber 31by means of the tool 55 engaging in the tool working region 54 as shownin FIG. 14 in order to convert the receiving chamber 31 from thefastened position into the release position and vice versa. As can beseen, the tool working region 54 here is designed with tool receptacles58 in the form of ring segments, into which the engagement section 57,which is designed to have a roundish cross section, can engage on thetool side, so that counterclockwise rotational movements of the tool 55can lead to counterclockwise rotational movements of the receivingchamber 31. A stop section 59 is designed and arranged opposite theengagement section 57 on the circumference. A clearance space 60extending around the periphery is formed between the engagement section58 and the stop section 59, by means of which the tool 55 can beinserted into the tool working region 54 in order to interact with theformer accordingly.

Due to the configuration and/or design of the tool working region 54 inthe region of an upper exposed cover section 53 on the receiving chamber31, the tool working region 54 is always accessible (from above). Thegeometric shape of the tool working region 54 is in all cases adapted tothe shape of the tool 55. In the present case, the geometric shape ofthe tool working region 54 is such that a T-shaped tool 55 can act on itin a form-fitting manner, so that rotational movements can betransferred to the receiving chamber 31 via rotational movements of thetool 55, as indicated by the double arrow 56.

Accordingly, the tool working region 54 is readily accessible, i.e., inparticular from above, in a condition of the apparatus 1 as insertedinto a manhole. Through suitable shaping and dimensioning of acorresponding tool 55, it is not absolutely necessary for a user todescend into the manhole in order to convert the receiving chamber 31from the fastened position into the release position or vice versathrough corresponding rotational movements. The receiving chamber 31 maythus be released from the housing part 3 from outside of the manhole andparticularly removed from the manhole. This may be practical formonitoring purposes, for example, to ascertain whether there has been abite on the bait, so that controls can be greatly simplified and can beperformed much more promptly.

Since the bait 2 is held via the bait-holding device 12 arranged on thereceiving chamber 31, the receiving chamber 31 together with thebait-holding device 12 and the bait 2 held thereon can be removed fromthe manhole without entering the manhole, it is possible to detectwhether there has been a bite on the bait and, if necessary, to replacethe or one bait 2 and the receiving chamber 31 together with thebait-holding device 12 and the bait 2 held thereon can be reintroducedback into the manhole.

Schematic diagrams of an apparatus 1 according to an additionalembodiment are shown in FIGS. 16-19 . FIG. 16 shows a strict schematicdiagram of the apparatus 1; FIG. 17 shows a perspective diagram of theapparatus 1; FIG. 18 shows a longitudinal section through the diagramshown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 19 shows an enlarged view of the detail XIXshown in FIG. 18 .

The embodiment according to FIGS. 16-19 additionally comprises awater-surge-protection element 61 for protection against the penetrationof water into the receiving space 5, which is delimited by the housingpart 3, in particular into an upper region of the receiving space 5situated above the passage opening 9 delimited by the lower or bottombait platform 8 in the event of a sudden and/or surging rise in the onelevel in the manhole, into which the housing part 3 is to be and/or isinserted.

The water-surge-protection element 61 is arranged beneath the lower orbottom bait platform 8. The water-surge-protection element 61 has anannular and/or cylindrical base body 62, which delimits a water surgereceding volume 63 for receiving a certain amount of water flowing inthe or a manhole. A sudden surge-type rise in the water level in themanhole due to heavy rain, for example, thus results in the water firstpenetrating from underneath into the water-surge-receiving volume 63 andfilling it up.

The closing body 15, which is, as mentioned, purely optional, and isdesigned here as a float, is mounted movably with the base body 62 ofthe water-surge-protection element 61, i.e., within thewater-surge-receiving volume 63, in such a way that it is moved from theopen position shown in FIGS. 16, 17 into the closed position indicatedwith a dotted line in FIG. 16 with a rise in the water level in thewater-surge-receiving volume 63 associated with the admission of waterinto the water-surge-receiving volume 63. The movable mounting of theclosing body 15 is implemented by a holder 64 on the housing-part side,here in the form of an angular gallows holder. A simple hanging holder,such as that shown in FIG. 16 , would also be conceivably feasible orsupported.

In the closed position, the closing body 15 having a closing section 16is in sealing contact with contact sections 17 being formed by the edgesof the lower or bottom bait platform 8 in some sections, which delimitthe passage opening 9, which is in turn delimited by the lower or bottombait platform 8. Penetration of water into the upper region of thereceiving space 5 on the housing-part side is prevented by the sealingcontact of the closing body 15 with corresponding contact sections 17 onthe bait-platform side. There is no possibility for water to enter theupper region of the receiving space 5 and be contaminated there by thesubstances contained in the bait 2.

The base body 62 of the water-surge-protection element 61 is shown hereas open, i.e., without a bottom surface. However, it is of course alsopossible for the base body 62 of the water-surge protection element 61to comprise a bottom surface having at least one water surge inletopening in the region of the side thereof facing away from the lower orbottom bait platform 8. A closing body 15 may then be arranged in thesurge-water-inlet opening in at least some sections when in the openposition. When there is a rise in the water level, the closing body 15,which is designed as a float, rises up from the water surge inletopening, so that water can enter the water-surge-receiving volume 63until the closing body 15 is finally moved away from the open positioninto the closed position, as already described.

The base body 62 of the water-surge-protection element 61 in theembodiment according to FIG. 16 comprises a number of feet 65, designedin the form of webs, for example, which serve to support the base body62, optionally also the housing part 3 arranged thereon plus thecomponents of the apparatus 1 fastened or arranged therein. The basebody 62 may of course also be designed to be completely flat on thebottom and/or end side and thus the corresponding feet 65 may beomitted.

On the basis of FIG. 17 , it is apparent that the apparatus 1 can befastened on the wall of a manhole via a fastening device 35. Thefastening device 35 therefore comprises an outer ring element 36 made ofsteel, for example. The ring element 36 can be fastened on the wall of amanhole via a profile-type holder 37. As can be seen, in the embodimentshown in FIG. 17 , the corresponding feet 65 are omitted on the part ofthe water-surge-protection element 61. To implement a stable mounting ofthe apparatus 1 on a substrate, the profile-type holder 37 is designedwith an extension and comprises a mounting leg 67 protruding away fromthe latter at an angle, in particular at a plumb line, said mounting legbeing identified as or considered to be a pedestal of the apparatus 1.

The water-surge-protection element 61 is fastened on the housing part 3here by screw connections. Accordingly, both the water-surge-protectionelement 61 and the housing part 3, here provided with screw receptacles68 on the outside circumference, through which screw-type connectingelements (not shown in detail here), in particular threaded screws canbe passed. It is of course also conceivable to provide each of thecorresponding screw receptacles 68 on the inside circumference side.

It is apparent from the sectional view shown in FIG. 18 that the ringelement 36 is arranged between the water-surge-protection element 61 andthe housing part 3. On the basis of the detail shown in FIG. 19 , it isapparent that the water-surge-protection element 61 is thereforeprovided with ring-shaped holding webs 69, which protrude radiallyaccordingly and form a lower mounting point for the ring element 36. Thehousing part 3 is provided with a radial enlargement 70 in the region ofits free end facing the water-surge-protection element 61, the ringelement 36 engaging at the region of the its end facing the housing part3 in said enlargement. Between the housing part 3 and the ring element36, a sealing element 71, here in the form of a sealing ring, may bearranged and/or designed between the housing part 3 and the ring element36.

Schematic diagrams of an apparatus 1 according to additional embodimentsare shown in FIGS. 20-23 . FIGS. 20 and 21 each relate to a perspectiveview of an additional embodiment of an apparatus 1; FIG. 22 shows alongitudinal section through the apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 20 , and FIG.23 shows a cross section through the apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 22 .

FIG. 22 shows a mounting of a closing body 15, which is optional, asmentioned, and movable relative to the lower bait platform 8 by means ofa clamp-type or bracket-type holding element 72, mounted in particularpivotably on the lower bait platform 8. On the one hand, the holdingelement 72, which is also to be identified as a holding clamp or aholding bracket, is fastened on the bait platform 8, in particular atone end, and, on the other hand, in particular on the other end, isfastened on the closing body 15. A certain path of movement, which theclosing body 15 runs through in movement from the open position into theclosed position and vice versa, is defined by the connection of theclosing body 15 to the holding element 72, the connection of the holdingelement 72 to the lower bait platform 8 as well as the geometricdimensions, i.e., in particular the shape of the holding element 72.

The holding element 72 comprises two holding element sections 72 a, 72 brunning at an angle to one another. On the basis of FIG. 22 , it can beseen that the holding element sections 72 a, 72 b reach through thepassage opening 9, which is delimited on the bait-platform side in theopen position of the closing body 15. The holding element sections 72 a,72 b are bent in an L shape. The holding 72 thus has an (essentially)L-shaped geometric shape.

Based on FIGS. 20-23 , a particularly expedient fastening device 73 bymeans of which the housing part 3 can be fastened to a wall of a sewersystem 4, in particular of a manhole, in particular releasably, is alsoshown. The fastening device 73 comprises a ring-shaped first fasteningelement 74, which extends around the housing part 3 on the exteriorperipheral side and is fastened on the housing part 3 by means offastening brackets 76 bolted onto the housing wall 3, and a secondfastening element 75 for fastening the first fastening element 74 aswell as the housing part 3 fastened thereon onto the wall of a sewersystem 4 and/or of a manhole. By means of the fastening device 73,fastening of the housing part 3 on a wall of a sewer system 4 and/or ofa manhole in a stable manner, in particular with respect to forcesacting on the housing part 3 due to high water or a water surge. Thefastening of the second fastening element 75 on the wall of a sewersystem 4 and/or of a manhole is implemented, for example, by means offastening bolts 78 and/or screws, which can be anchored in a stable formin the wall of a sewer system 4 and/or of a manhole, for example, bywalls or screws, and which pass through horizontal and/or verticalboreholes 77, respectively, originating from the second fasteningelement 75, optionally provided with a thread.

As can be seen, the fastening device 73 is designed in multiple parts.To implement a buoyancy safety measure, the second fastening element 75has a fastening-element section 75 a, which extends in some sectionsbeyond the housing part 3 on the top side, forming a buoyance safetymeasure in some sections. The housing part 3 is thus protected againstbuoyance forces due to high water and/or water surges and is fastened inits position, in particular vertically, in a fixed position on the sewersystem 4.

All the components of the fastening device 73 are formed from one ormore mechanically-stable and corrosion-resistant materials, for example,stainless steels and/or material structures or comprise such materialsand/or material structures.

On the basis of the embodiment shown in FIG. 21 , it can be seen that aplurality of fastening-element sections 75 a may be present. FIG. 21shows two leg-type and/or strut-type fastening-element sections 75 arunning at an angle to one another, preferably in a V shape, andconnected to one another via another leg-type and/or strut-typefastening-element sections 75 a.

The fastening-element sections 75 a shown in the embodiments accordingto FIGS. 20-23 are releasably fastened to the exposed top side of thehousing part 3 in a form-fitting connection (without damage and/ordestruction). The fastening is thus accomplished by means of a form fit,i.e., by way of the form-fitting interaction of form-fitting element 79on the part of the fastening-element sections 75 a with correspondingform-fitting elements 80 on the part of the housing part 3. Form-fittingelements 79 formed on the respective fastening-element sections 75 a aredesigned as passages, form-fitting elements 80 formed on the housingpart 3 are formed by protrusions, in particular vertical ones which gripinto or through corresponding passages in the fastened state.

On the basis of the embodiment according to FIG. 21 , it can be seenthat the respective fastening-element sections 75 a can be designed withreinforcing structures 81, in particular those with a reduced crosssection, to increase the mechanical stability of the fastening-elementsections 75 a. The material thickness and thus the weight of thefastening device 73 may be reduced in this way without sacrificing themechanical stability. In the embodiment according to FIG. 21 , thecorresponding reinforcing structures 81 are beads.

The respective fastening-element sections 75 a are designed as separatecomponents in the embodiments according to FIGS. 20-23 and are fastenedreleasably on a profile-type base body of the second fastening element75 by means of screw bolts 82, i.e., a screw fastening (without damageand/or destruction). The fastening-element sections 75 a could also bedesigned integrally with the second fastening element 75.

FIG. 22 shows an optional monitoring device 83 for monitoring at leastone part of the receiving space 5 delimited by the housing part 3. Themonitoring device 83 is arranged on the receiving chamber 31 in such away that the most extensive possible monitoring of the receiving space 5can be implemented. The monitoring device 83 comprises a suitableoptical sensor system for monitoring the receiving space 5. Themonitoring device 83 is designed as an infrared sensor system and/orcamera in the embodiment according to FIG. 22 .

It is possible by means of the monitoring device 83 to detect andevaluate all processes in the or a certain region and/or subregion ofthe receiving space 5. In particular rodent-related processes can bedetected quantitatively and/or qualitatively and evaluated and/orassessed. Processes of particular interest to be monitoredquantitatively and/or qualitatively include, for example, ingresses ofrodents into the receiving space 5, egresses of rodents out of thereceiving space 5, the behavior, i.e., in particular the biting and/ormovement behavior of the respective rodents having ingress into thereceiving space 5 in the receiving space 5, etc. In general, thefrequenting of the receiving space 5 per unit of time can be detectedand evaluated and/or assessed quantitatively and/or qualitatively. Sincemonitoring information and/or data detected by the monitoring device 83can of course be transmitted via a communications link designed via asuitable communications device 91, in particular radio based, to anexternal terminal 92 on the user side, in particular a mobile terminal,a “monitoring” of all processes in the receiving space 5 can beimplemented via a corresponding monitoring device 83 without therequirement of entry into the manhole equipped with the apparatus 1and/or into the sewer system 4 equipped with the apparatus 1. Thecommunication is expediently radio based, i.e., via Bluetooth, WLAN,etc., for example, which is why the monitoring device 83 comprisesand/or is connected to a corresponding radio-based transmissionequipment unit (not shown).

The monitoring device 83 is supplied with electric power via arechargeable electric energy storage system 84 arranged in the receivingchamber 31. The energy storage system 84 is an electrochemical energystorage system in the form of a rechargeable battery. Use of aninductive energy storage system, i.e., one that is rechargeable by meansof electromagnetic induction would also be conceivable.

On the basis of the embodiment according to FIG. 22 , a surfacestructuring 85 of the cup-shaped and/or spherical-segment-shaped,optional closing body 15 can be detected in some sections. The surfacestructuring 85 facilitates access to the lower bait platform 8 for arodent via the closing body 15. The surface structuring 85 is designedas a stepped and/or ribbed structure of the circular disk-shaped segmentof the spherical-segment-shaped closing body 15 and offers a hold and/orsticking for a rodent entering the closing body 15. The surfacestructuring 85 correspondingly inhibits or prevents the rodent fromslipping off the closing body 15 and thus serves in the sense of an“entry assistance” for access to the lower bait platform 8. Acorresponding surface structuring 85 of course inversely also serves inthe sense of an “exit assistance” for a rodent for leaving the lowerbait platform 8. In addition, an annular section 86 which also serves inthe sense of a corresponding “entry aid” and/or “exit aid” is alsopresent on the side of the closing body 15.

FIG. 22 also shows a region 87 for a bait 2 delimited by a wall 88protruding here at an angle from the lower bait platform 8, inparticularly vertically.

The embodiment according to FIG. 22 shows a special mounting of acorresponding energy storage system 84. The energy storage system 84 ismounted on a bottom plate 94 fastened (releasably) on a bottom section93 of the receiving chamber 31 protruding into the receiving space 5.The bottom plate 94 is fastened on the bottom section 93 by means offastening screws, which are not identified in greater detail (cf. FIG.23 ). As can be seen, a sealing element 96 in the form of a sealing ringis situated between the bottom plate 94 and the bottom section 93.Another sealing element, which is not identified further, is situatedbetween the receiving chamber 31 and the housing part 3.

The bottom plate 94 is provided with walls 95 protruding at an angle, inparticular vertically, delimiting a receiving region for the energystorage system 84. The energy storage system 84 can typically bearranged with an accurate fit in the receiving region. The bottom plate94 together with the energy storage system 84 arranged thereon can beconsidered to this extent as a separate module that can be fastened tothe receiving chamber 31 and can be released easily from the receivingchamber 31 and fastened on it again, for example, as part of an exchangeor recharging operation for the energy storage system 84.

As can be seen, both the monitoring unit 83 and the communications unit91 are arranged at the side of the energy storage system 84 on thebottom section 93. An opening 95 on the bottom section side is providedfor the monitoring unit 83.

Another possibility of movable mounting of an optional closing body 15by means of a flap-valve device 89 is recognizable on the basis of theembodiments according to FIGS. 24 and 25 . In the embodiment accordingto FIG. 24 , a corresponding flap-valve device 89 comprises a flap-valveelement 90, which is movably mounted relative to a lower bait platform 8here, in particular being mounted pivotably, and which is moved awayfrom the lower bait platform 8 in an open position, such that thepassage opening 9 delimited on the bait-platform side is exposed and ismoved toward the bait platform 8 in a closed position, represented bydotted lines, such that the passage opening 9 delimited on thebait-platform side is closed. The closing body 15 here may be anintegral component of the flap-valve device 89 in the form of acorresponding flap-valve element 90. It is also possible to fasten aseparate closing body 15 on a corresponding flap-valve 90. The closingbody 15 may be designed as a float or may at least comprise a float.

On the basis of the embodiment according to FIG. 25 , it can be seenthat a corresponding flap-valve device 89 may also comprise multipleflap-valve elements 90, which are moved away from a lower bait platform8 here in a respective open position, such that the passage opening 9delimited on the bait-platform side is exposed, and moved toward thebait platform 8 in a respective closed position, which is shown with adotted line, such that the passage opening 9 delimited on thebait-platform side is closed jointly by the flap-valve elements 90. Inthe embodiment according to FIG. 25 , respective closing bodies 15 arearranged on respective flap-valve elements 90.

On the basis of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 26 to 28 , there is alsothe possibility of a movable guide, in particular linearly, of thehousing part 3 inserted into a manhole 96 along and/or relative to awall of the manhole 96. The housing part 3 here is thus not fastened viaa corresponding fastening device 35, 73 but instead is guided movablyalong and/or relative to a wall of the manhole 96, in particularlinearly, by means of a guide device 97. By means of a such a guidedevice 97, it is thus possible for the housing part 3, which is insertedinto the manhole 96 plus components of the apparatus 1 arranged thereinand/or thereon, to be guided movably, in particular linearly, to bemoved inside the manhole 96. Movements of the housing part 3 take placealong an axis of movement running vertically, indicated by the doublearrow oriented vertically, i.e., for example, along an axis of symmetryor a central axis of the manhole 96. The housing part 3 is guided so itis movable and secured against tilting in the manhole 96 by means of theguide device 97. The guide device 97 thus prevents the housing part 3from tilting in the manhole 96.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 26 , a guide device 97 is shown,comprising multiple wheel-type or roller-type guide elements 98 arrangedin distribution on and/or around the housing part 3; by means of theseguide elements, the housing part 3 is guided movably along the wall ofthe manhole 96, so that it can roll along the wall of the manhole 96.Corresponding wheel-type or roller-type guide elements 98 are in directcontact with the wall of the manhole 96, so that no special measures arenecessary for implementing the movable guidance of the housing part 3 onthe wall side. The wheel-type or roller-type guide elements 98 arespecifically wheels and/or rollers.

The wheel-type or roller-type guide elements 98 are supported on aholding device 99 arranged on designed on the housing part 3. Thewheel-type or roller-type guide elements 98 are braced by means of theholding device 99 against the wall of the manhole 96. A secure verticalpositioning of the housing part 3 in the manhole 96 is possible due tosuch a holding and bracing. The tensioning force is selected so thatuncontrolled sinking of the housing part 3 is prevented; verticalmovements of the housing part 3, for example, caused by watersurge-induced buoyance forces, in particular in the direction of amanhole cover 100 and/or in the direction of an upper manhole opening,are likewise possible.

The holding device 99 comprises holding arms 101, which are mountedfoldably and/or pivotably on the housing part 3 and are foldable orpivotable against the wall of the manhole 96. The holding arms 101 arecoupled to a tension element 102, in particular a spring element, forexample, in the form of a compression spring. A tensioning force, inparticular a spring force, bracing the guide elements 98 against thewall of the manhole 96 is exerted on the holding arms 101 by means ofthe tension elements 102 arranged between the housing part 3 and therespective holding arms 101. By means of a holding device 99 designed insuch a way, the housing part 3 can be inserted into multiple manholes 96having different diameters and braced (at an angle) against the manholewalls.

A holding device 99 shown with dotted lines comprises holding arms 101that can be extended, in particular like a telescope, and can belengthened radially (with respect to the axis of symmetry or the centralaxis of the housing part 3 and/or of the manhole 96) toward the walls ofthe manhole 96 (cf. the horizontal double arrow). These holding arms 101can be coupled similarly to corresponding tension elements 102 inparticular spring elements, for example, in the form of compressionsprings.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 27 , a guide device 97 is shown,comprising a gearwheel-type linear guide element 103 on the housing-partside and a corresponding toothed rack-type linear guide element 104 thatcorresponds and/or interacts with it on the (manhole) wall side. Bymeans of the guide device 97, the housing part 3 is guided so that it islinearly movable on the wall of the manhole 96. In this case, the guidedevice 97 thus also comprises guide elements in the form ofcorresponding linear guide elements 104 in the form of toothed racks onthe wall side. The linear guide elements 103, 104 on the housing-partside and on the wall side are in mechanical engagement and/or amechanical operative connection, i.e., they interact, forming acorresponding linear guide.

For the embodiments shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 , it likewise holds thatthe respective guide devices 97 may comprise a drive device (not shown),in particular motorized, that is or can be coupled to at least one guideelement 98 and/or linear guide element 103, 104 and is equipped totransfer a drive force, which induces a unidirectional or bidirectionaldrive movement in the guide elements 98 and/or linear guide elements103, 104, to guide elements 98 and/or linear guide element 103, 104.Such a drive device may be designed or arranged on or in the housingpart 3. Alternatively or additionally, a corresponding drive device mayalso be designed or arranged in or on a corresponding guide element 98and/or linear guide element 103, 104, i.e., for example, integrated intoa wheel-type or roller-type guide element 98 or into a gearwheel. Acorresponding drive device may be an electric motor whose power issupplied like the power supply of other electrical and/or electroniccomponents of the apparatus 1.

On the basis of the embodiment according to FIG. 28 , it can be seenthat a guide device 97 may also comprise a profile-type or rod-typeguide element 105 fastened in the manhole 96 and arranged on the housingpart 3 and/or passing through the latter, in particular axially. Thehousing part 3 here is also guided so that it is movable linearlyrelative to the profile rod-type guide element 105. This also includesfastening of the housing part 3 on the profile-type or rod-type guideelement 105, which is in turn fastened on the manhole side, i.e., beingwalled, bolted, etc., for example. As can be seen, the profile-type orrod-type guide element 105 in the embodiment is not in direct contactwith a manhole wall but instead is arranged concentrically inside themanhole 96. Such a profile-type or rod-type guide element 105 may alsobe expedient in particular in the embodiment according to FIG. 26 ,which is why it is also represented there with a dotted line because itis optional.

On the basis of the embodiment according to FIG. 28 , it can also beseen that for implementation or support of movements of the housing part3 in the manhole 96, floats 106 may be present. The positioning of thefloats 106 on the housing part 3 is above an optional closing body 15,which is shown with a dotted line, because it is within the housing part3 so that water rising in the manhole 96 first reaches the floats 106 onthe housing-part side (the closing body 15 is already in the closedposition). As shown in FIG. 28 , it is possible to arrange separatefloats 106 on the housing part 3.

Alternatively or additionally, the housing part 3 may already bedesigned with integrated floats 106. This may be implementedstructurally, for example, through a housing part wall, which defines orhas at least one cavity. The cavity is filled with air, for example. Itis also conceivable to manufacture a housing part wall of a low-densitymaterial which floats on a water surface and does not sink because ofthe difference in density. In all cases, an upward movement of thehousing part 3 occurs due to a rise in the water level in the manhole96, and the downward movement of the housing part 3 is induced by a dropin the water level in the manhole 96.

For all the embodiments, it is true that the housing part 3 may beprovided with reinforcing structures to increase the mechanicalstability of the housing part 3. Corresponding reinforcing structuresmay be designed, for example, in the form of rings or ribs.Corresponding reinforcing structures may be present as separatecomponents, which are to be placed on and/or connected to the housingpart 3 or are designed to be integral with the housing part 3.

All the embodiments of the apparatuses 1 shown in the figures and/orindividual features or multiple features of the embodiments shown in thefigures may be combined with one another in any desired way.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for holding a bait forrodents, comprising: a housing configured to be inserted into a manhole;at least one bait platform arranged in the housing, delimiting at leastone passage opening on the bait platform side, through which a rodentcan gain access to a bait arranged in the housing; and a guide elementconfigured to be fastened in the manhole, wherein the guide elementcomprises at least one rod guide element arranged on the housing orpasses through the housing axially, wherein the housing is configured tobe guided and movable relative to the rod guide element.
 2. Theapparatus according to claim 1, comprising a holding device for bracingthe housing against a wall of the sewer or manhole.
 3. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the holding device comprises one or moreholding arms which are foldable or pivotable against a wall of amanhole.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the one or moreholding arms are mounted foldably and/or pivotably on the housing. 5.The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the one or more holding armsare coupled to at least one tension element configured for exerting atensioning force with the one or more holding arms against the wall ofthe manhole on the one or more holding arms.
 6. The apparatus accordingto claim 5, wherein the at least one tension element is arranged betweenthe housing and the one or more holding arms.
 7. The apparatus accordingto claim 5, wherein the tension element is a spring element.
 8. Theapparatus according to claim 2, wherein the holding device is designedto insert the housing into multiple manholes having different diametersand be braced against the manhole walls.
 9. The apparatus according toclaim 8, wherein the holding device is designed to be braced against thewalls at an angle relative to the walls.